SO YOU WANNA BE A PRO MUSICIAN? #1 "DON'T BE AN A-HOLE!"

Pete Thorn (guitarist with Melissa Etheridge, Chris Cornell, Don Henley, Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, Jewel) offers tips and pointers for aspiring pro musicians. PLEASE SHARE! Hit the thumbs up if you like the vid. Thanks!
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[@RickBeato]

Great Pete!!

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks Rick!!!

[@jean-renepirlet]

@funkyfishclone Greetings from Belgium! 😉

[@matthewtayloryowieresearch1912]

Pete, I've been a guitarcheologist since 1979, I was music-mad as a boy aged 9 when I started & grow more mentally-guitarded by the day. From 10yr old, I've studied with seriousness & pro-tution occasionally all the Theory Composition Classical Jazz Blues Rock Prog Avante-Garde u name it, Ragas Talas, Japanese Music (ffs! what a musoholic I ended up, gr8!), did senior exams in Practical & History of music/guitar & smashed 87% out of 'em - I was/am mad with it! Thus, I know a Segovia from a Sabo, a Django Rheinhardt from a Rhinestone Cowboy, and an awesome superior-quality wonderful guitar-nerd (your words not mine!) when I see/hear one. Pete, u are a superb example of how to 'be' a decent amiable helpful sociable respectful & your musicianship love of guitar as well as simply being obviously, a brilliant person is infectious! Way down the guitar rabbit-hole I was already too-far-gone before seeing this video & others u do (I'm binge-watching big-time atm), you are clear as a bell, with sound wise salient sage advice & know what the hell you are on about all day. Thanks for all you do for music & especially guitarists whether pre-historic guitarasaurs like me or those learning the ropes, Pete, u rock m8!. Didyabringyabongalong Station, Central Queensland, Australia.

[@borderlineguitarguy]

I didn't realize how much I did not want to be a pro musician until I seriously tried to become one. There is so much more to it than just knowing your parts and showing up on time. It's way more of a grind than a 9-5 job. Hats off to all of you that do this for a living!

[@chrisdiceart]

I've been in 4 bands... I'm never the "best" guitar player available...I started late in life and i'm "okay". I've been the guy that shows up on time. Has gear that works. Knows the material. And I'm nice to everyone! Funny I always seem to have a gig! Learned alot from you Pete! Thank you! . ;)

[@Javier-qk7ms]

Be on time for rehearsals and gigs... and sober. You can have a drink after that.

[@Dave_Moore_Malin-Music]

👍Top bandmates right here ☝️

[@mattgilbert7347]

Good stuff, mate. I'm a late starter myself (sort of, I played when young, had some limited success then quit, took it up again 17 years later), and will never be a great player, but my gear and tone are good, I'm competent in basic blues phrasing and rhythm playing, and I'll be there on time and will play to the best of my ability and not be a jerk. Yeah, I'll be there on time...if there was somewhere for me to be. RIP Sydney local music scene. Good luck and I wish you all the best.

[@jimsy5530]

@American Fuel TV And on top of that, understand that you're part of a whole not the whole itself. That's 99.5% beaten.

[@jds2056]

Where do I look for bands? Is there any apps? I live in midwest(Indiana) small town so it’s hard to find opportunities ya know? I just want out, maybe craigslist? Where can I look fam! I’m not a master player, I am a pretty good blues player and I know enough theory to get me by for improvising . Would love to hear from anyone for advice thanks:)

[@OlaEnglund]

YES! spot on...

[@PeteThorn]

Ola!!! Wish I could have hung more at NAMM with u!

[@jamesrocky2997]

Ola Englund i live in China ，i'm you fans 。

[@Maxischupp93]

welp, the music industry really IS small wtf are you doing here Ola :D

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

/w\OLA/w\

[@prognacio]

Crazy Ola Englund

[@AngelVivaldi]

Well said, my friend!

[@5tw8se74]

Great advice. Your video inspired me. Lol. I'm an old dog that's been playing guitar for 50 plus year. Grew up in Chicago it was ez as hell to get jobs in the old days if ya did exactly has you said. Now I'm retired from my day job ( fall back plan maintenance worker ) All I want to do is play music, and I'm good at it, but there's not a lot of gigs left for the old guys. So I'm going to start a KZbin advice channel for crabby old hasbeen rockers. Wish me luck. Thanks Pete

[@megamania501]

Reminds me of what Alice Cooper said on a music documentary. He basically said there are thousands of great players out there who could play his gig. But they also need to have an awesome stage presence, the moves and the "look". That cuts it down to about a hundred. Then they have to be someone who's likeable, someone who he can stand to be around because they will be spending so much time together during the tour. Sometimes 24 hours a day. That cuts it down to 2 or 3. That was interesting when he said that. We all know guitar players who feel that their chops are the best thing since sliced bread and they feel that that's all that matters. But that only gets someone 1/3 of the way. There are two more "tests" that are just as important that a person has to pass.

[@ShawnTubbs]

This is all spot on Pete!! PREACH!!!

[@oldguysguitarvlog183]

"Don't be an A-Hole" is an important life lesson in EVERY profession. I work with younger professionals and train them and this is rule #1. You will get sooooo much further in life and people will WANT to work with you and to make sure you get what you need to succeed. What you also say towards the end of your video is equally important. KILL IT at your job. At whatever you chose to do. Have the confidence in your abilities and when it's time to display those abilities, GO FOR IT. But always maintain your humbleness. Don't let your proficiency at your job determine your personal attitude. This is lost on soooooo many people. Brilliant advice. Thanks for some awesome insight, Pete!

[@ShutupAndPlayGuitarTutorials]

What a fantastic video Pete! This is the best advice any musician could ever get, young and old. Cheers Andy

[@MiguelBatalha]

That young guy doesn't know how lucky he is to have received face-to-face advice from you! Cheers

[@geemac7267]

And that young man's name is David Hasselhoff.

[@victorpradella]

Just great, specially coming from someone like you Pete!

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Awesome episode, Pete!

[@ironprophet9866]

Pete, no one has ever said what you have in this video. My dad told me three years ago that I was the musician in the family and my eyes watered up. He and I have a checkered past but at that moment. our conversation blossomed into a 'father and son' moment. I then started to amass my equipment namely quality guitars, cabinet and amp. Second, my attitude. I'm not bad at playing but I want to have great success just like you, Pete! You're my big brother now giving me and many like me God-like advice about playing guitar!! Thanks, brother!

[@yargnad]

I love how its already gotten two thumbs down before it even airs....so that's def a couple of dudes who seriously need to watch this.

[@PeteThorn]

😂👍

[@LucasCrossleyGuitar]

They are the A holes he's talking about ;) Humility goes a long way no matter what you do:)

[@oldguysguitarvlog183]

Believe it or not, I have learned in a very short time as a content creator that there are people out there who won't watch the content. They just thumbs down it. For real. Weird huh?

[@jasonbone5121]

@@oldguysguitarvlog183 Are you kidding? That is crazy indeed! I would click the back button before hitting thumbs down.

[@PeteThorn]

There's always haters. If they don't show up I get worried @@oldguysguitarvlog183

[@BlackMarketIII]

Spot on Pete. Love your playing, work ethic, and attitude. Confidence, not ego.

[@Theosis78]

This video of yours is gold! Not only for music business, but also for every other business.

[@cpagano46]

Pete. This is the best video I've seen on YT to date. You must be one good dude to care about aspiring musicians enough to be honest and help point them in the right direction for success. Everything you said is 100 percent true. I've played guitar all of my life but mostly during my 20's and can attest to many of the things you talked about. I'm not in your league as far as chops or achievements but I know if I picked up the phone to a musician that I've played with in my past and asked for a gig, I'd get it because I wasn't an arrogant Prima Donna that loved drama. I did my part the best I could and wanted everyone else to be better because we all wanted the hear the music the way we hear it in our heads.

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks! Next video in this series is being premiered today 2pm PST! Please watch and share

[@treyxaviermusic]

preach it my man!

[@colinmcdonald7591]

Nicely done Pete. I can say from meeting you that you practice what you preach! You were the nicest most friendly guy at your clinic. And, it's obvious from your youtube videos that you are a stand up fellow indeed. The youtube community and music community has a tonne of respect for you as a player and as a person. I don't say all this to encourage your ego, but as a way of crediting everything you say as credible and coming from a person who knows what he's talking about and has found success by following these ideas.

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks Colin!

[@joelcprice]

Pete Thorn I haven’t met you personally. But it’s clear the kind of care and dedication you have in work. The joy you take in doing what you do. And in the way you respectfully treat your followers. You can tell that you not only appreciate the follows, you genuinely want to help them get to where they want to be. You seriously make us all feel like your friends. Which is a stretch of the truth. But that’s why people want to support you. Or why I want to. You see yourself as a fortunate one of the rest of us. This community exists because the person at its center values the community as much as the community values you. We’re all here celebrating the guitar. We all worship at the same altar. 😂

[@dwaynebarker2771]

Pete you’re the man! Your honesty and integrity is very much appreciated! Being a professional musician my whole life I realise your console to your piers is right on. Nothing replaces hard work and practice, but common sense and keeping your feet on the ground is essential. Thanks for being a great role model even us veterans cans learn from.

[@Mindcore777]

You're a good guy Pete

[@18JR78]

This should apply to anyone, musician or not.

[@QuistJam]

AMEN. Great stuff Pete

[@LucasFowler]

And once again, Pete demonstrates why he's the coolest dude in the guitar world.

[@jfrockon]

Truth bomb!

[@gretchenmenn]

Amen

[@jfrockon]

@@gretchenmenn We have a mutual friend in Michael Powell formerly from Redding CA.... Just a hello

[@wangbar1]

This video is probably the best advice I’ve ever heard for musicians. Heck… for anyone really.

[@banjobones4190]

You briefly hit on the concept of adding value. When I was much younger an older guy at work told me "don't aim to a person of importance, aim instead to be one who adds value to the organization." Best work advice I ever got...

[@franknguitars7671]

I don't want to be a professional musician (way too old, lack talent, started way too late, etc etc.), yet, the advice you offer is sound in any field of human activity. Pete, you are a class act and I enjoy listening to you on and off stage. Keep up the great work!

[@masonvankraayenburg]

Absolutely agree 100 percent. This is something I learned way too late, not that I was a dick or anything but always quiet and reserved. Not branching out or letting people know what I’m thinking or doing. Those interpersonal processes and making sure whatever environment your in is enjoyable and engaging are now some of my most cherished aspects of being in music.

[@michaelandmelanieasby4378]

Pete you really seem like an authentic musician man.....genuine....honest. Nice to see and hear your dreams brother.

[@johnbovie9203]

I have found, over the course of many years, that there are a lot of mid level, " I'm famous" musicians can be the A-holes. The truly famous/ successful musicians I have met have been very friendly, kind and patient with others and easily approachable.

[@PeteThorn]

Absolutely.

[@edwinpringle7342]

Humble plays a key role in the music industry. Like you said, there's no place for egos. It takes common sense and confidence. Good advice.

[@ianbarcelos]

Thanks for the advice Pete. Hope people can appreciate this.

[@felipesazo9970]

The music is a tool to make friends not to presume, You are 100% right Mr Thorn

[@abradfordajb]

Words of insight from one who's been there. Pete is a most valuable presence on KZbin. Thanks for sharing.

[@tmitz73]

Pete....this is Exactly what I was looking for.... THANK YOU!!

[@johnpierson8398]

This video is full of truths and wisdom. Not only about how to be a pro musician, but how to be a good person. Great video Pete!

[@universeconsciouscitizensc592]

You really hit the cosmic nail, Pete. Being a good person is also the best way for a mortal being to fulfill current universe obligations in all finite phases, states, and destinies.

[@notoriousfunk7959]

I wrote Pete few months ago asking infos about a book, he answered me, nice and kind from him. He is truly a nice person.

[@joejazz67]

great advice not only for musicians but for all people thumbs up subscribed

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks and welcome to the channel!

[@nativejimmy4036]

I think all musicians should watch this and absorb everything about it! Thanks Pete!!!

[@lonnyhandwork422]

I heard the quote “The person in the room with the biggest ego is always the song“ a long time ago. Can’t remember who said it, but has always stuck with me. Great thoughts Pete. Can’t wait for the rest of this series.

[@tonybrooks476]

There are some really genuine people in music and clearly Pete you are one of them.

[@Gravedigger377]

Dude, this is GOLDEN ADVICE! Thank you! People are tired of egos and pride.

[@kevinmusso2397]

Pete... you are a good soul and true gentleman. The stories and guidance you shared here are very wise. For the music biz, but also life in general. I hope you are always fortunate. Thanks for giving us your time and insight. Your demos are top quality and of unique value. Bless you sir... you are a blessing to all of us. *Side note* It’s been said, “there is a sourpuss in every crowd.” At the time of this posting there have been two dozen people give this video a thumbs down. So in this case... there’s not only one, but 24.

[@wampler_pedals]

Very well said Pete!

[@jeffmays7192]

Just love Pete’s voice!! Such a real human being.

[@ericbowles2640]

Pete Thorn gets it and lays it out so perfectly.

[@e.g.systems6146]

Wisdom, personified. Great advice. I always remember watching Tone-Talk, when someone was disrespecting Pete in the chat, and the way the guys there instantly defended him, and told the a-hole to back off. That told me how much other people in the business think of him.

[@MarcCoteMusic]

This video demonstrates exactly why Pete is the success he is. I have no doubt that he practices what he preaches... he comes across as too genuine to be faking it. As Pete said... if you're a hired gun, talent is a given. It's expected. If you can't play or you're lazy about learning the parts you won't get the gig in the first place. But if you want to keep the gig and get others down the road you need to be able to get along with just about anyone and everyone. That's not an easy skill to acquire for some. But it can be worked on. Pete, despite the fact that my career is winding down (how I wish it weren't), I really look forward to the next one in the series.

[@JedWunderli]

Great idea for a series. I'm too old and not a good enough musician and I'm also entrenched in my career as a mortgage loan officer, but it's still fun to learn about what my dream career could have been. I still have lots of fun playing, writing, and recording my own stuff in my little studio.

[@jshphysicistatyahoo]

I only read ten comments down. I'm sure others have at least thought that your advice applies to just about every profession. Thank you Pete, you are always an inspiration to me.

[@user-oy7gz5bf2h]

Preach! I've been guilty of oversharing. It can also put doubt in the mind of those who hire you. I never wanted to appear over confident so I used to be self-depracating and apologetic upfront. They don't want another thing to worry about!

[@boberios4439]

Out of be a musician, the world needs more humble and good people with whom we surround ourselves and people in general. Good video!!!

[@icenic_wolf]

Good advice for any career or hobby. Music, IT, martial arts, you name it.

[@dausblack2585]

Great speech my friend.You do well at speaking Pete.Great gift to go along with your smoking guitar playing.Thankyou.

[@robertsiskaii5111]

Great video! Humility and self-awareness were always two things that every SUCCESSFUL musician displayed regularly.

[@guidosarducci4035]

The best life lesson is to Treat people like you want to be treated. No matter your position in life, this mantra will be the best thing you do in life.

[@PeteThorn]

Agree

[@mad24r45]

So right, so important to repeat over and over. Borderline ego might make you a "star", tolerance and passion make you a good musician.

[@tomigunn777]

I have been preaching this for YEARS!! Maybe they'll listen to You Pete!

[@claudinholeal]

So true!!! Being nice and polite is a lesson for life! Unfortunately, maybe ego or excess of self-confidence, get in the way... thanks for sharing... and keep shredding, Pete! Greetings from Brazil

[@captainbandar2393]

I'm not a professional musician, and this video was very informative, it applies on all professions... THANK YOU Pete

[@americanhorseman]

Pete...really great job! You are a great speaker...This series is going to do well...God bless your heart...

[@thenumbers5024]

Brilliant Pete I’ve been saying this for many years , we are as good as anybody else at our job , but good personality wins the day ...

[@jghillstudio1857]

Came here from Tim’s video, Being a great human being is infectious. Rock on!

[@JenniferPricci]

“Don’t be an A-Hole” Yaaaasssss This will be a GREAT series. And not just for musicians but other fringe creatives with PASSION... I’m certain there will be AMAZING insight here.

[@andischmidt3334]

I am a working musician.. and i have to say you are absolutely right about everything!

[@itsjohnnymillion]

This is Life Coach stuff, no joke. I'm not surprised you have these abilities, Pete, and you convey them wonderfully.

[@miguelescalera626]

I remember going watching this about a year ago when it first came out.. a lot has changed since then 😞. I am still a musician. I still want to get out there.. but I think this is something that I needed to hear again 😕😊. Specially with the Rona stuff.. but this keeps me humble and keeps me centered. Thank you for posting this. very much appreciated.. one of the most important bits of information I found on KZbin about music. period. 💯

[@darrenm01]

One thing I’ve noticed watching your videos that I think has helped you is your ability to go back over situations or decisions you’ve made and objectively look at how you handled them. For example, when someone asked what you wished you had done differently during your career. Some people don’t want to think about these learning experiences or “mistakes”, but you’re confident enough to not only analyze them, but discuss them on KZbin. That’s something people with a huge ego would never do.

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks man! I just don't want to make the same errors over and over :) Always more to learn

[@zacwatsonmusic]

Fantastic advice. In a world where everyone is looking for the quickest way from A-B this is a timely reminder that being around, being humble and doing a good job are the keys to getting where you want to be. Will be watching this series with great interest.

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks Zac!

[@leewarren]

Great, sage advice! I've been a touring sideman for a long time, and learned quickly that I wasn't being paid so much for playing the shows, but moreso for being able to 'get along' for the other 23 hours each day.

[@guismth]

My fav vid yet Pete! Your professionalism is showing there bud. Thank "you" for not being an A hole. Youve been a go to for tone for quite a while now. And a genuinely great dude! Ty Pete!

[@roblassila63]

Great advice. I know I am going to love this new series. Once again, time well spent watching a Pete Thorn video. I alway learn something.

[@johndoc4483]

thank you, as i get older, time is running short, a song just in a commercial would be a dream come true...

[@sjfamilomusic]

Can't even articulate what great advice and information this is. VERY applicable in almost any profession. Yet another reason you're one of my favorite artists.

[@Auxend]

Be an Asset, not an A-Hole! Thanks for this Pete - I come back to this video frequently.

[@gretchenmenn]

You're such a force for good, Pete. Such great advice that can help individuals and make the industry better in general!

[@chrisscott2498]

Keys to the Kingdom - level advice here Pete....you speak very well, with both empathy and clarity, getting right to the point. Truth be told, what you offer here works in practically every other situation when dealing with other humans. Color me subscribed!

[@Ruefus]

Heard this a long time ago. Not sure of the source. It made me realize that I want to play music, but it shouldn't be my vocation. Not if I want to be happy. "if you want to be a musician, it's the hardest thing you'll ever do. If you *have* to be a musician, it's the greatest job in the world."

[@godbyone]

That was the most practical advice for any business ,for life .

[@philvalade2437]

Great advice. I’ve been a professional musician for 20 years, and when I started, I met 2 of my heroes, Allan Holdsworth and Steve Morse, and they were both nice, easygoing guys. Sometimes it’s not just the playing, but it’s their attitude that makes them Gods.

[@sbingham1979]

This advice is so good; and as you said in the beginning, much of it works for life in general, as well as for music.

[@michalmikolajmaslowski3994]

Great video, Pete. Just wanted to say that your exceptionally nice attitude extends through your music - it's wonderful! All the best!

[@stephatoms9801]

Great advice. The reason I watch your channel aside from the awesome guitar content is you come across as genuinely great person (a rare find these days). Thanks Pete!

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks Steph!

[@nowornever2504]

This is so true. Not only in music business but in life.

[@mrnomad55]

Wow Pete, so well said. I have never really thought about it as much as you made me realize that this has to be one of the most important things that everyone needs to be aware of all the time. I've only worked with a few people that have this professional attitude that makes you want to work with them. Im sure Ive made these mistakes from time to time and not really thought of it like this. Thanks so much for your incite. This has to be the best advice Ive ever herd. You are person with so much knowledge and it shows. Thank you for this. I just wish I had realized this years ago.

[@rickya3877]

Humility and decency go a long way...good advice

[@jameskung2648]

Aside from being a guitar god, Pete is a mensch, a person of real substance and integrity.

[@lioninthesun8833]

This is so spot on for all levels of musicianship.

[@eskilseter]

13:49 - Know when to hold'em, known when to fold'em, know when to walk away and know when to run.

[@mrsockmonkey1969]

solid advice from a true professional. i’ve worked with a ton of musicians and attitude always outweighs talent. I’d rather play with lesser capable players who have the right attitude. It always pays to treat people nice. just remember you meet the same people on the way down that you meet on the way up.

[@adamswitlak1242]

Beside being a great guitarrist, you are a decent and honest man Pete. Respect and regards from Poland.

[@2yugen2]

This is great advice for pretty much every industry. Thanks for sharing.

[@brianpardee4177]

Invaluable advice from an excellent musician. No name dropping or ego trips. Thanks for being a real human being and not a fake internet persona, Pete. Love your albums! Do they still call them albums/records/discs/cd’s? I apologize for being a Luddite. Love your aural recordings! You really need to do a solo tour...

[@gregorglasbruch6917]

That‘s the plain truth! Definitely one of the most important statements on attitude I ever watched.

[@wreckoningday]

HUGE info right here. I would say this applies to any job or situation you want to get in too. Being a kind considerate person is how you move upwards (skill being an unspoken given)

[@LostLegacyNY_]

Pete, I want to take a quick moment to recognize you for your great advice. I’ve been following your channel for a while. When it comes to skill, talent and knowledge you have achieved mastery level as far as I’m concerned. But what keeps me coming back to watch your videos is the fact that your a gentleman and a true professional in every sense. You are absolutely right, having chops and killer tone is just one part of it. Being a good person will take you far. Thank you for your sincere help to the guitar community. Your a gem.

[@srhatfield]

This applies to every career choice you can make. I am a software developer and have made my way by not being an a-hole. If you show other people respect, make other people feel great being around you, they will want to be around you and you will do well. Talent is a given, manners matter, and you will actually feel better about yourself when you are lying in bed at night reflecting on your accomplishments. Great video amigo!

[@VictorAxelsson]

This video is the most IMPORTANT video I've seen in a while. Thank you for sharing this Pete.